PatchTheCVECVE-2026-72398: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: sctp: add INIT verification after cookie
CVE-2026-72398 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: sctp: add INIT verification after cookie unpacking In SCTP handshake, the INIT chunk is initially processed by the server and embedded into the cookie carried in INIT-ACK. The client then returns this cookie via COOKIE-ECHO, where the server unpacks it and reconstructs the original INIT chunk. When cookie authentication is enabled, the cookie contents are protected against tam
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.7% (top 45%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Published | 2026-08-15 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-21 |
Last updated 2026-10-21 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2026-72398?
No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.
Is CVE-2026-72398 being exploited?
CVE-2026-72398 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2026-72398 affect?
CVE-2026-72398 affects affected software. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: sctp: add INIT verification after cookie unpacking In SCTP handshake, the INIT chunk is initially processed by the server and embedded into the cookie carried in INIT-ACK
How urgent is CVE-2026-72398?
Priority 61/100. Critical severity; CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist